The canals of England & Wales are more than historic waterways - they are living, breathing assets with the power to transform our cities. These blue-green corridors can deliver cleaner air, climate resilience, thriving wildlife, and healthier, more active lifestyles.
When integrated into regeneration from the very beginning, canals unlock opportunities that go far beyond transport or heritage. They connect communities, enhance new developments, and create places where people want to live, work, and visit. From sports quarters to city centre masterplans, canals can be at the heart of growth.
But to achieve this vision, we need collaboration and investment. We have the assets and expertise to steward these spaces for the long term, yet external funding and regeneration is essential to unlock their full potential. By working together with developers, planners, and partners, we can break down barriers, seize commercial opportunities, and ensure canals continue to serve communities for generations to come.
Our ambition is clear: to elevate canals as catalysts for regeneration, wellbeing, and everyday lives. Our local mission starts here in the West Midlands with a particular spotlight on the West Midlands Combined Authority geography. However, with the right support, these waterways can once again define the character and future of our region.
